Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Crucial Premier League Clash on May 3.
Arsenal are returning to Premier League duty on Saturday as they welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates. However, their focus will remain on the upcoming European distractions that are looming large. Despite their Champions League semi-final on the horizon, the Gunners must stay focused to secure a top-five finish.
However, with the competition so close, this could only be confirmed depending on other results. Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for European football themselves. So, they will look to keep their hopes alive in this match. Both sides head into the match knowing that any slip-up could cost them dearly in their respective pursuits.
While their Champions League dreams hang by a thread following a midweek loss to PSG, Arsenal can’t afford to ease off in the league. Mikel Arteta’s side were held to yet another frustrating draw against Crystal Palace in their last Premier League clash.
It was their 13th draw of the season, many of which came from winning positions. Now as they’re set to face a crucial second leg in Paris, Arteta must balance priorities carefully. Bournemouth, too, let a lead slip against Manchester United last weekend. They’ll look to make a comeback as well.
Also Read: Arsenal to Challenge PSG for Highly-Rated Roma Defender This Summer
Arsenal’s injury list remains unchanged ahead of Saturday’s clash. Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Kai Havertz are all sidelined with hamstring and knee issues. Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus are long-term absentees. Jorginho continues to recover from a chest injury.
Arteta got only three days’ rest on either side of the Champions League legs. Hence, it is unlikely that he will make wholesale changes. However, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White, Thomas Partey, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are back from European suspension. So, they are all pushing to start this weekend.
Raya; Zinchenko, Kiwior, Saliba, White; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Trossard, Merino, Nwaneri
Bournemouth are boosted by the availability of Evanilson, whose red card was overturned after review. However, Luis Sinisterra remains out with a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, Ryan Christie and Enes Unal have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Lewis Cook, who is managing a minor ankle knock, has made substitute appearances in recent matches. He could now return to the starting lineup in place of Alex Scott. Andoni Iraola is expected to name a near-identical squad to the one that faced Manchester United.
Kepa; Kerkez, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Smith; Cook, Adams; Ouattara, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson
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